Practice English Reading Exercises for A2 – Transitions & Future Plans

Exercises:   12345

Reading 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

A Visit to the Campus

Last Friday, fifteen-year-old Toby visited a large university in London. He is thinking about studying history there in the future. He didn’t go with his teachers. Instead, his older cousin, Mark, showed him around because he is already a student at the university. They caught the bus and arrived at the campus early in the morning.

At first, Toby was very surprised. He thought the university would be like his high school, but it was enormous. It was like a small town with its own shops, cafés, and even a supermarket. First, Mark took him to the main library. Toby couldn’t believe his eyes. There were thousands of books and lots of students reading quietly at their desks.

At lunchtime, they went to the busy student cafeteria. Toby enjoyed a large burger while Mark introduced him to his university friends. They were very friendly, but they talked a lot about their difficult exams and late nights in the library. After hearing this, Toby began to feel a bit worried. He wondered if university life was too hard.

However, in the afternoon, Mark took Toby to the sports centre. Toby loves playing basketball, so he thought the huge sports hall was fantastic. Seeing the amazing facilities changed Toby’s mind completely. He forgot about his worries and decided that he really wants to study there. When he travelled home, Toby felt very excited about his future.

1   Who showed Toby around the university?

     (A) one of his teachers

     (B) a family member

     (C) a history student

2   Why was Toby surprised when he arrived?

     (A) The campus was much bigger than he expected.

     (B) It was very similar to his high school.

     (C) There were thousands of books in the shops.

3   How did Toby feel during lunch?

     (A) unhappy about his large burger

     (B) pleased to meet his friendly teachers

     (C) nervous that university might be too difficult

4   What happened at the sports centre?

     (A) Toby played a great game of basketball.

     (B) Toby knew that he wanted to be a student there.

     (C) Toby felt very excited to travel home.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) Toby’s difficult history exam

     (B) How to play basketball at school

     (C) A useful trip to a university

Reading 2

For each question, choose the correct answer.

Thinking About the Future

Tom is fifteen years old and he is tired of studying. Every morning, he wakes up early to go to school, but he often feels bored in class. Tom really wants to buy a small motorbike, but he doesn’t have enough money. So, he has a new plan. He wants to leave school next year and start working.

One evening, Tom talked to his parents about his idea. They were not very happy. His father explained that education is very important. “If you finish school, you will get a better job in the future,” his dad said. But Tom didn’t agree. He told them he could easily work in a clothes shop or a cafe and earn money immediately.

The next day, Tom visited his older cousin, Mark. Mark left school when he was sixteen and now works in a large supermarket. Tom thought Mark was lucky, but Mark told him a different story. Mark explained that his job is very tiring and he doesn’t get much money. He actually wishes he had stayed at school to learn more useful skills.

After listening to his cousin, Tom thought carefully about his future. He understood that leaving school too early was probably a bad idea. Finally, he decided to stay at school and study hard. However, he is going to look for a part-time job for the weekends. This way, he can save money for his motorbike and finish his education!

1   Why does Tom want to start working?

     (A) He hopes to get enough money for a motorbike.

     (B) He wants to wake up early every morning.

     (C) He likes learning about new plans at school.

2   What did Tom’s father tell him?

     (A) He should work in a clothes shop or a cafe.

     (B) He was very happy with Tom’s new idea.

     (C) He needs to finish his studies to get better work.

3   How does Mark feel about his job at the supermarket?

     (A) He thinks he is very lucky to work there.

     (B) He learns a lot of useful skills at the supermarket.

     (C) He finds the work difficult and the pay is low.

4   What is Tom going to do now?

     (A) Leave school early to find a part-time job.

     (B) Continue his education and work on Saturdays and Sundays.

     (C) Stop studying hard so he can save money.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) Changing your mind about school

     (B) Why working in a supermarket is fun

     (C) How to buy a new motorbike

Reading 3

For each question, choose the correct answer.

Working Hard for the Future

Elena is eighteen years old and she is in her final year of high school. In exactly two months, she has to take the most important exams of her life. These tests will decide if she can go to her favourite university to study science. Elena feels quite nervous, but she really wants to do well.

Every day, Elena wakes up at six o’clock to start studying. She cannot study in her bedroom because her little brother plays loud music. So, she always goes to the local library to work. It is very quiet there. She uses bright pens to write her notes because it helps her remember difficult information.

Last week, Elena felt extremely tired and worried. Her maths teacher, Mr. Harris, saw that she looked sad. He told her that studying all night is a bad idea. He explained that her brain needs rest. He advised her to close her books at eight o’clock every evening and go for a walk in the park.

Elena decided to listen to Mr. Harris. Now, she stops studying early and spends time outdoors. She feels much stronger and calmer than before. She knows the exams will be hard, but she is ready to do her best. She hopes to get the right grades for university.

1   Why are the exams in two months so important for Elena?

     (A) They will help her enter the college she likes.

     (B) She has to take them in exactly two months.

     (C) She is currently in her final year of high school.

2   Why does Elena go to the local library?

     (A) Her little brother plays loud music there.

     (B) Her house is not a peaceful place to work.

     (C) She uses bright pens to write her notes there.

3   What did Mr. Harris tell Elena to do?

     (A) Finish her schoolwork earlier and get some exercise.

     (B) Keep studying all night because it is a bad idea.

     (C) Look sad because she felt extremely tired and worried.

4   How does Elena feel about her situation now?

     (A) She knows that spending time outdoors will be hard.

     (B) She hopes to get the right grades for her maths teacher.

     (C) She is much more relaxed and prepared for the tests.

5   What is the best title for the article?

     (A) How to write notes with bright pens

     (B) Preparing for a big step in education

     (C) A new maths teacher at the local library

Exercises:   12345